The University of Regina women's hockey team was defeated 4-1 by the Manitoba Bisons in Game 1 of a Canada West quarterfinal series on Friday night.

Maggie Litchfield-Medd had a goal and an assist in the win, while Michelle Pawluk, Courtlyn Oswald and Lauryn Keen also scored. Alana Serhan had a pair of helpers for the Bisons.

Kylie Gavelin scored the lone goal for the Cougars, with assists from Alexis Larson and Kylee Kupper.

The Bisons outshot the Cougars 40-22 on the night, and capitalized on the opportunities that they were presented with. Manitoba went 2/5 on the powerplay, with both Pawluk's and Litchfield-Medd's goals coming with the man-advantage.

Pawluk's goal was the only marker in the first period, and Gavelin's goal came in the second.

The game was tied 1-1 heading to the third, where the Bisons scored three unanswered. Litchfield-Medd's goal put the Bisons up 2-1, then Oswald added an insurance marker with just over two minutes left. Keen potted an empty-netter to make it 4-1 and give the Bisons a 1-0 lead in the series.

Rachel Dyck was very good in net for the Bisons on Friday, making numerous saves on strong chances by the Cougars. Toni Ross (pictured) was equally impressive, making 36 saves between the pipes.

Game 2 is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday night.